Having been in the mortgage business since 2004, I can say with certainty there are no perfect people and therefore no perfect borrowers. Even though we are bombarded with what we should do, save 10-15% of our gross income, pay everyone on time, don’t get over extended, etc. Life happens.
For example, there have been 7 recessions in my lifetime. In the last 60 years, one third of the time the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been down overall for the year. We had Black Monday in 1987, the Great Recession of 2008-9, the economic impact of Covid 19, the dot com bust in the late 1990s, etc.
The point is, even those of us who are financially prepared suffer under the same circumstances. Life and its ups and downs affects all of us. Some recover faster than others based on their profession, education, experience or economic cycle.
Then there are the constant pressures of rising costs, inflation, job uncertainty, will Social Security be there for me when I retire, will I be able to afford medical care or long-term care should I need it? What if I outlive my money? Have I saved enough money for retirement? The list is overwhelming.
Even if you’ve followed Dave Ramsey’s baby steps or tried to, or whichever financial guru you follow, few people live with financial security as they get older. A recent article I read said that 46% of people entering retirement do so with a mortgage, the highest percentage in history.
Homeowners all have the same buckets of money that we draw from: wages, investments and home equity. Once we stop working, we are down to investments and home equity. Most seniors I speak with don’t want to touch their investments, and more and more people are open to tapping their home equity.
A senior homeowner with 50% or more equity can: 1. Eliminate their monthly PI mortgage payment, that right there gives them some breathing room in their budget. If they have more than 50% home equity, they can 2. Access their equity tax free 3 ways: a) lump sum; b) monthly payments; c) line of credit that earns compound interest. When they draw on the proceeds, they are paid directly to the homeowner and the homeowner can use the proceeds however they wish, except purchase an annuity.
So, why are people reluctant to tap their home equity? There are a few reasons. 1. They want to leave the house to their heirs (1% of children want their parents' home); 2. They were taught to pay off your home and not to have any debt, however in recent years fewer people own their homes outright; 3. Seniors have heard that reverse mortgages aren’t safe, are expensive, they can lose their homes, etc.
The truth is, a retirement mortgage also known as a reverse mortgage is the safest mortgage a senior can get. Why is that? They have to complete a 1-hour mandatory in person or phone counseling appointment with an independent 3rd party. When the reverse mortgage funds, about 50% of their home equity is protected from a market correction like we experienced in 2008-9. With a FHA backed reverse mortgage (aka HECM), the fees are set and capped by HUD. There is never a PI mortgage payment required. These are non-recourse loans, which means the only recourse the lender has is against the home, not against the borrower, their heirs or estate. There is no pre-payment penalty. And they retain ownership on title until they permanently move out. The loan term is age 150 of the youngest borrower!
When surveyed, 91% of senior homeowners said they want to remain at home and maintain their independence. Also, we know the number one fear a senior has is outliving their money. So, here’s what we have.
-senior homeowners who want to stay at home
-they fear running out of money
-many lived a reduced lifestyle while living on a fixed income
-they have investments they don’t want to liquidate
-and home equity that is frozen and not accessible
-they are making decisions about reverse mortgages from outdated and inaccurate internet info or uninformed neighbors or well-meaning family
When a senior homeowner takes the time to learn about how a reverse mortgage can help them. Their reactions are these: 1. What’s the catch? This sounds too good to be true and 2. How come everyone isn’t getting a reverse mortgage?
The best thing to do is to explore all options to see if a reverse mortgage makes sense for you. The qualifications are senior friendly, and we can usually close in 30-45 days.
Explore your options and see how a reverse mortgage can change your life.
A retirement mortgage doesn’t have to be complicated when you have a professional help you along the way. Contact our team today to get the wheels in motion a (877) 251-9709
Basics of Reverse Home MortgageA reverse home mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners to access a portion of their home equity without having to sell their home or make monthly mortgage payments. Unlike a traditional mortgage, the loan balance of a reverse mortgage increases over time and is typically only repaid when the homeowner sells the home or passes away.Differences from Traditional Mortgage Reverse mortgages do not require monthly mortgage payments, while traditional mortgages do. The loan balance of a reverse mortgage increases over time, while the loan balance of a traditional mortgage decreases over time as payments are made. Reverse mortgages are typically only repaid when the homeowner sells the home or passes away, while traditional mortgages are repaid over a set term. A Financial Solution for Seniors For seniors, a reverse mortgage can be a great financial solution. It allows them to access the equity in their homes without selling or giving up ownership. Reverse mortgages are also a great way to supplement retirement income. They provide a steady stream of funds that can be used to cover living expenses. With a reverse mortgage, seniors can enjoy their retirement years and have peace of mind knowing they have a reliable source of income.Reverse mortgages are also a great way to pass on wealth to heirs. The loan is paid off from the sale of the home, and the remaining equity is passed on to the heirs.Eligible homeowners obtain reverse mortgages for many reasons including: Repairing or modifying the home to meet the physical needs of getting older Supplementing retirement income to meet expenses Managing the costs of in-home care Paying off an existing mortgage Paying increased bills due to inflation and economy Paying property Taxes Delaying Social Security Providing a source of funds for living expenses in lieu of liquidating financial investments during times of market downturn or disruption Helping retirement savings last longer Purchasing a retirement home Recent ClientsA retired couple in their late 60s, John and Susan, were struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income, due to inflation and the cost of living increasing. They had significant equity in their home but were hesitant to sell it and downsize because of the current real estate market. They decided to explore a reverse mortgage as an option to access their home's equity without having to sell it. The reverse mortgage allowed John and Susan to access their home's equity and use the funds to pay off their existing mortgage and cover their increased living expenses. They were able to stay in their home and maintain their quality of life, without having to worry about making monthly mortgage payments. Mary Anne, a retired infusion nurse, suffered some medical challenges and her insurance did not cover all of her additional expenses. She decided a reverse mortgage was her best option. It allowed her funds to seek non-traditonal treatment and was able to eliminate the financial stress in her life, allowing her body to heal.A retired widow in his late 70s, James wants to stay in his home as long as possible. His home was mortgage free and he intends to leave it to his two children who live out of state. The reverse mortgage allowed him to access his home's equity and use the funds to make the modifications to continue staying in the home unassisted.It allows him the peace of mind knowing the has additional money to pay an in-home care giver if and when he needs one.He is able to stay in his own home and now worry about being a burden on his out of state children. He expressed to me that feeling of relief is priceless.This article was submitted by Nicole Cramer with Anchor Funding, Inc. Contact Nicole at 251-349-9891 or email her at nicole@cramergrp.com for more information about whether a reverse mortgage can work for you.
In the realm of senior therapy, the integration of music and arts stands out as a transformative approach to holistic well-being. Recent studies highlight the profound cognitive benefits that music can offer to seniors, from stimulating memory recall to enhancing overall cognitive function. Whether through familiar melodies that evoke cherished memories or the joy of learning a new instrument, music becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and connection, particularly for seniors facing cognitive decline. Simultaneously, engaging in visual and performing arts provides an avenue for creative expression, offering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The emotional impact of these creative endeavors is equally significant, alleviating feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences in choir singing or art classes.In essence, the incorporation of music and arts into senior therapy transcends mere entertainment, becoming a vital aspect of promoting the overall well-being of older individuals. By tapping into the creative spirit, seniors can find avenues for cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. As society recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to senior care, the role of music and arts in therapeutic practices emerges as a valuable and enriching endeavor for the aging population, contributing to a fulfilling and vibrant later life.
In a world bustling with new experiences and breathtaking landscapes, age should never be a barrier to wanderlust. Senior travel, often overlooked, is a realm of endless possibilities and enriching encounters. Ageless Adventures is a celebration of this spirit, inviting seniors from all walks of life to embark on transformative journeys across the globe. As the golden years gracefully unfold, theres a growing recognition that travel is not just for the young and restless; its a tapestry of discovery, connecting seniors with the world's diverse cultures, cuisines, and captivating histories. Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Kyoto, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed Italian coffee in Rome, or marveling at the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. These are not mere dreams; they are the vivid realities woven into the fabric of senior travel.Ageless Adventures strives to make these dreams tangible. Through meticulously curated itineraries, seniors are guided to explore destinations tailored to their interests and pace. Whether its delving into the artistry of Parisian museums or finding solace amidst the serene beaches of Bali, every adventure is designed to nurture the soul and spark curiosity. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, these journeys foster a sense of community, where like-minded individuals forge lifelong friendships, share laughter, and create cherished memories. Traveling, after all, is not merely about the places visited; its about the stories shared, the perspectives gained, and the moments that take your breath away. Ageless Adventures invites seniors to step into a world where age is but a number, and every passport stamp is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. So, let the adventure begin, and let the world be your timeless playground.